A deck is a must-have outdoor feature for most modern homes. A well-designed and properly constructed deck will add value to your home and provide you with a beautiful space for family get-togethers and lazy summer afternoons. But adding a deck to your home isn’t always as easy as it might appear. You want your new deck to stand up to nature’s elements and the ravages of time. It’s always a smart decision to consult an experienced professional to help you with your project. The right builder will help you through the entire process, from the initial design to the finished deck construction. But how do you know which deck builder in Woodbridge Virginia is right for you?
Here are four of the top questions you should ask before hiring potential contractors:
Do you have experience building decks?
This is very important. You don’t want to hire a builder who’s never built a deck. Decks are not like other building projects. You need someone with deck building experience. An inexperienced builder may mean well, but they may end up building you a deck that settles unevenly. This is a common problem. If your deck settles incorrectly, its boards will warp and lift, or worse it may pull away from your house entirely. It’s best to hire a builder with significant experience in building decks.
Are you licensed? Do you carry insurance?
This is a point we can’t stress enough. If your state requires contractors to be licensed then you only want to hire a builder who can produce his license. Don’t be fooled by deck builders in Woodbridge Virginia who claim they’re licensed but never prove it. Adding a deck to your home represents a significant investment for you, and you want to know you’re hiring a builder who can do the job right. In addition to a license, make sure your contractor carries builder’s insurance. If he, or a member of his crew, gets injured on your job, you don’t want to be responsible for that person’s medical costs. A reputable builder will have no issue providing you with a copy of his insurance rider.
Will you get the permits my job requires?
This may not be immediately obvious to you, but it’s a great question to ask. A good deck builder in Woodbridge Virginia will be familiar with and willing to get any necessary permits to complete your job. They may charge a fee for doing so, but you’ll find it’s well worth the cost to have the proper paperwork in hand. If your potential deck builder dismisses the idea of permits you should look elsewhere. Building permits are nearly universally required, and an above-board contractor will know what’s necessary for your project.
Do you provide a warranty?
Reputable deck builders will work hard to build you a deck that will provide years of problem-free enjoyment, but occasionally something does go wrong. Many builders will provide their clients with a warranty against builder defects. This means that they will return to take care of problems that arise from their workmanship or the materials they used. If you choose a builder who offers a warranty, you’ll have added peace of mind.
If you’re looking for a deck builder, we’re here to help
It’s not always easy to ask the right questions when you’re looking for a deck builder in Woodbridge Virginia, but these four will get you started. At MidAtlantic Contracting we strive to be completely transparent with our clients and have an established reputation for deck construction. We’re committed to quality service and 100 percent customer satisfaction. If you’re located anywhere in Northern Virginia and would like to consult us about your deck project, give us a call at 703.492.4663, or visit us online at MAContracting.com. Our skilled staff will be happy to answer all of your questions.